Study of Stress Management and Exercise Intervention During Cancer Chemotherapy

Brief Summary

Chemotherapy adversely affects quality of life in cancer patients. Both stress management training and exercise training have been shown to improve quality of life. These two types of training have not been directly compared for chemotherapy patients.

This study seeks to evaluate the separate and combined effects of stress management training and exercise training on quality of life during chemotherapy treatment. Participants receive either a home-based, self-administered program in 1 of 3 types (stress management, exercise, or stress management + exercise) or usual care (reading materials). It is hypothesized that the combined program (stress management + exercise) will be significantly associated with better quality of life than the usual care group, the exercise only group, and the stress management only group. All participants are assessed at 3 timepoints: before they begin chemotherapy, 6 weeks after their first chemotherapy infusion, and 12 weeks after their first infusion.

Home-based exercise (walking) program: brief introduction by staff (10 minutes) and provision of packet with DVD, brochure, workbook, pedometer (electronic step counter) along with instructions on initiating and maintaining a walking program. Dose Recommendations: 3-5 exercise session per week for at least 20-30 minutes at maximum intensity of 50 to 75% of their estimated heart rate reserve (RPE of 11-13) which is calculated based on their age and resting pulse.

Other Names:

Exercise program

Walking program

home-based exercise

exercise during chemotherapy

Behavioral: Usual care

Usual psychosocial care and provision of NCI booklet, Chemotherapy and You (NCI, 1999) which gives general feedback about fitness testing, exercise and stress management during chemotherapy. Recommended to read booklet at least once.

Other Names:

Active control group

Information on chemotherapy

Behavioral: Combined stress management and exercise training

Home-based, self-administered stress management and exercise (walking) program: brief introduction by staff and provision of DVD, CD, brochure, pedometer, workbook. Dose Recommendations: walking/exercise program (3-5 times per week for at least 20-30 minutes) and use of CD (progressive muscle relaxation with guided imagery) and coping statements once per day.